Got A Dehorning Question? Get On Dehorning.com

Web site quells consumer concerns and answers producer questions with science-based information, research and trends in cattle dehorning.

Dec 11, 2011

Got questions about cattle dehorning techniques? Then you'll want to visit the first educational website dedicated to it.

Dehorning.com was launched almost one year ago. Because it's an increasingly controversial issue, it's attracting both producers and consumers, reports Dave Lucas, president of the site's sponsor H.W Naylor Company.

The site was created in response to a lack of organized information about dehorning on the Web, plus widespread misconceptions about the practice, says Lucas. "There were people out there actually questioning the need for horn removal." says Lucas.

"At the same time, there was no centralized source for basic dehorning information for beef and dairy producers. We pulled together all the available information and research and tried to present it in a way that was helpful for both livestock producers and consumers alike."

The site provides information on all facets of dehorning, including pros and cons of various methods, video training, access to research articles, pain management protocols, position statements from organizations inside and outside the industry, plus answers to frequently asked questions. It also hosts guest blogs.

"Quite a few visitors want to know the difference between dehorning and disbudding," he adds. "Yes, there's definitely a difference, and there are good reasons why organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association and Dairy Calf and Heifer Association recommend disbudding at an early age."

Dehorning.com has received more than 7,000 visits, mostly through organic Web searches for "dehorning" or "dehorning calves", but also for terms like "dehorning infection treatment", "dehorning analgesia" and even "PETA dehorning".

"We're pleased to see the site is being used as reference for people on all sides of the issue," says Lucas. "The videos are being used as a teaching tool to help non-English speaking crew members learn practical dehorning methods, here in the United States and internationally."

H.W. Naylor Company manufactures topical medications for livestock, equine and companion animals. The company is based in Morris, N.Y.